With two matches to play in the final weekend of the FIVB Volleyball Nations League, 3 teams are still battling for the Final 6 in Lille, France. Russia, USA and Brazil clinched their spots in the Final 6 on Friday. Now we’ll go through the scenarios for each of the teams.
Each scenario describes what a team needs to do in order to clinch their spot in the Final 6.
1st Place France (11-2, 32 points), Clinched Berth as Hosts
2nd Place Russia (10-3, 31 points), Clinched Berth in Final 6
A WIN vs. USA would all but clinch a spot in Pool B as the top two teams (excluding France) will be placed in Pool B with the FIVB Serpentine System. IF Brazil LOSES in addition to a Russia WIN, then top two is clinched.
3rd Place USA (10-3, 30 points), Clinched Berth in Final 6
If USA WIN IN >5 SETS vs. Russia AND Poland WIN vs. Brazil, USA would clinch top two position for Pool B. USA has sets ratio advantage over Italy (if tied on wins and points) before Italy played Russia on Friday and that clinched their position.
4th Place Brazil (9-4, 27 points), Clinched Berth in Final 6
Can only move up or down positions with a result on Saturday vs. Poland. Brazil has sets ratio advantage over Italy (if tied on wins and points) and that clinched their position on Friday.
5th Place Poland (9-4, 26 points)
Poland WIN vs. Brazil OR Italy LOSS will clinch a berth.
6th Place Serbia (9-4, 23 points)
Serbia WIN vs. Japan OR Italy LOSS will clinch a berth.
7th Place Italy (7-6, 21 points)
Italy MUST WIN vs. France AND Poland OR Serbia LOSE. If both Poland and Serbia lose on Saturday, Italy could overtake both teams on Sunday. An Italian win in <5 sets on Saturday, would be best for the Italians as any dropping of points will mean that set ratios will come into play. Right now Italy is also behind on sets ratios with Poland and Serbia.
All other teams are eliminated from Final 6 Contention.
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